28 Month Old Showing Signs of Autism

I hope you hear from Moms with experience in this She is Very young to be diagnosed! How was she diagnosed? Have you tried teaching her sign language? My son was a late talker as soon as he learned a sign he learned to say the word within a few weeks. Sign language really helps communication.

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I agree with the food allergies...my son has had learning/speech/language/motor/fine motor delays since he was 2-he is now 7. Last year, his behavior got really bad-we took him to 2 neurologists who both said they "see nothing worrisome"-neither did any formal brain scan or anything-just a standard 15 minute physical.

We have been saying there is something else wrong with him for a good 2 years now-his special ed teacher agrees. She devotes her life to autistic kids & she thinks he is PDD-NOS. I have to agree with the teacher who has spent 7 hours/day with my kid for the last 2 years over the dr. who spent 15 min with my son on his best behavior. I started doing lots of research on autism in general-read the book by Jenny McCarthy's "Louder than Words" & I know my son is a far cry from where hers was, it was very interesting to read about how gluten and casein can have an effect on children who don't have the stuff in thier gut to break it down. I started to do more reasearch on that aspect and found that the gluten and casein protien actually turn into opiates if not broken down. And I was thinking if I was on opiates 24 hours a day, then I might act a littel "out there" & have behavior problems too.

Within a week of eliminating the dairy (and gluten) from his diet-his constipation & eczema was GONE! He has been on RX laxative for 4 years and steroid cream off & on since he was born. It takes 6-8 mos for the gluten to be removed from your system & it is in EVERYTHING, and a very expensive diet...he has been on the diet for 3 months and people say he is a different kid. It takes lots of time learning, researching, prepping food, but it's for my kid, so it's worth it. PM me if you want to talk some more. :)

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All 5 of my kids have or had food allergies. It effect their brain and caused all kinds of weird symptoms. It would appear that they had autism, tourettes syndrome and sometimes changed their personalities. When I'd take them to the doctor, they could never help or diagnose properly. I was able to figure out food allergies because thankfully, they would also have rashes and swollen eyes with the other symptoms. I'm not sure if this is even helpful to you but it's something to think about, just in case your daughter has food allergies. I wish you the best!!

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S., take a deep breath. I know exactly how you're feeling. My son also has a diagnosis of PDD-NOS, and man it's been a journey to figure out the truth. PDD is the waste basket of diagnosis -- they put you there when the child doesn't fit anywhere else. Honestly, it does mean much.

First of all, even if it is autism, there are SO many things that can be done to help. The dietary changes others mentioned have been a cure for some kids. There are listening therapies, movement therapies and a variety of brain-based therapies. I know people whose children have grow up to be totally fine.

Secondly, there are other things it could be besides autism. I would highly recommend getting the book The Mislabled Child. It goes through many issues, and other diagnosis they resemble. Although some won't apply to her (like dyslexia) since she is too young to demonstrate symptoms. I have found this book invaluable for figuring out this puzzle.

Thirdly, I'm not a doctor and I cannot diagnose, but your daughter demonstrates symptoms of auditory processing disorder (APD). My son has this. We went through the same thing where people would say he is autistic-like, but not really autistic. He wanted to be sociable, no repetitive behavior, no hand flapping... but he talked late, did not respond when spoken to, and had inappropriate social behavior (i.e. he responded incorrectly because he didn't understand what was said). He also had echolalia. He has spent nearly 6 years in speech therapy in order to get caught up on delayed speech. Your daughter is too young to be diagnosed with APD, and she may not even have it, but you might have a look at the symptoms: http://www.squidoo.com/capd I figured it out before all the professionals did, and I'm a big believer in mother's intuition.

Finally, I'm here to tell you the "professionals" are not the expert on your child - you are. 2-1/2 years ago a neuropsychologist told me my son would never be normal and we should start planning for group homes when he was an adult. She totally missed the auditory processing disorder which completely skewed the results of her tests. We found out a few weeks ago he has traumatic brain injury. She missed that too. He is now undergoing neurofeedback therapy which will resolve about 80% of his issues. And even without neurofeedback I have had many educators say he is progressing so well, he would grow up to be just fine. In fact, he's gifted.

So don't let their scary diagnosis reports bowl you over. In your heart hold the highest vision for your child. I shed many tears on this journey, but in my heart I always knew my son would be okay. I am now writing a book to share our story. Too many families do not have hope, don't let yourself be one of them!

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My son is also diagnosed with PDDNOS and he had bad echolalia that lasted until he was 4 or 5. When his language skills continued to develop he eventually stopped the echolalia, but he still tends to repeat sentences multiple times. For example, if he is talking to a friend he will say, "He ate the candy" about 5 times. Many times other kids will say, "I heard you!" lol

She will be find. PDDNOS is hard b/c nobody has heard of it with the exception of us mommies who's kids have the diagnosis. I always tell people he has Autism b/c they know what that is. My son hand flaps and has repeated behaviors and play is very hard for him b/c he has trouble transitioning. He also has sensory issues, but he doesn't have any trouble being affectionate.

She will be fine. Take it one day at a time. What are you depressed about? coping with the reality that things are different? That is totally understandable. All parents of special needs kiddos go through a mourning phase. I "resented" for a long time that things would be different b/c everywhere I looked all I saw was happy healthy babies. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and now I can't picture my boy any other way. He is perfect like he is. GOOD luck and feel free to PM me if you want to chat more about PDDNOS or anything!! It's good to know some people who have done it too!!! It can be very isolating. :-)

E.

Edit: I really like what Sandy L. said about the speed of the diagnosis b/c my son was showing more symptoms than your daughter (from what I read) and they refused to diagnose him until he was 4 to be sure. Also, I totally agree about the sign language. We used signs to bridge the time between non verbal and verbal and now he won't be quiet!!! haha

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I cannot believe, they diagnosed her, and she is only 28 months old?
But her diagnosis was 4 months ago?

PDD/NOS is often used, because they don't know EXACTLY what is or may be wrong. And whatever the child is doing, is NOT classic symptoms nor does it fall into any sort of definitive symptom.

How is she different, from another 28 month old?
Did your Pediatrician say, something is wrong with her????
How is her hearing/her ears? Can she hear well?
Is she has a speech delay, she should get Speech Therapy.

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I have a child with Autism, your child is definitely not too young to be diagnosed. The earlier the diagnosis, the earlier treatment can start. They are now seeing signs of autism in babies as young as 4 months so be glad you have an early diagnosis. However, with that said, she is only two, and kids this age are learning language at such a rapid rate that they will repeat what you say. I have a neuro-typical two year old right now and she repeats things constantly. Don't stress, just know the earlier treatment begins the better the outcome. Take a deep breathe and remember you had your child out of love. She loves you more so than anyone else on this planet so don't give your daughter a sad mommy:) It'll work out, believe me, I live w/Autism every single day of my life and they do learn, it's just sometimes in a different fashion. Perk up, and let your child know you are going to do whatever it takes to help her and give her a big squeeze. You are up for the challenge, I know you are!!

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Get some help. Take as much intervention as you can get and work with her as much as you can right now. She has a diagnosis, so she should be eligible for some type of therapy. Early intervention is the key and you will feel much better knowing that you are doing everything that you can for your precious girl. My nephew got a diagnosis of autism even without the classic signs that you listed. He had many therapists come to his house (state funded, no cost to parents) and by 5yrs old he was in a mainstream classroom with an aide. Next year, he will be in a first grade with minimal support. It has been lots of work for the whole family, years of therapy before school started. Now is the time to get the help that she needs. Good luck to you and your family.

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It's OK to cry, if it helps you move on. Can I just say there is no 'normal' child and the NOS of the diagnosis as you know stands for not otherwise specified. It just means that for the moment there is some concern, but not able to pin down behavior (that's the 28 months). Many professionals prefer not to diagnose until the age of 4 because so many behaviors are just too common among this age group. Your daughter will be OK no matter what, and so will you. There is more to gain from this experience that to lose, since there is a diagnosis there are therapies/services available to your daughter that wouldn't be available without the diagnosis. From what you shared your daughter sounds very high on functioning skills, no matter what diagnosis. Also labels come and go, change and change again, but remember to look at it as more opportunities for your daughter to grow in. I have a niece, who was diagnosed at the age of two, she is in 4th grade now and she can shame anyone with her keen memory and outstanding math skills, without blinking an eye. My niece is also high functioning and over her years she's had therapy on and off as needed. All the best to you and your family.

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OK I understand your concern but first I want you to breathe. Now I would love you to write me through this site and we then connect via phone call. I would be more than glad to come and do a session with your child and let's see what exactly is going on (I do not charge anything for this session). There is help out there and I would be glad to help you with whatever I can.

P. Amic CEO/Clincial Director
Special Beginnings, Inc.
An Early Intervention Network
____@____.com

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Hi S.,

A very good friend of mine's son showed signs of autism at a young age as well. He is now nine years old and an exceedingly bright, sweet young boy. As you have, his parents caught it early and were able to get help. Having a parent who is so on top of things, like you, makes all the difference in that you will be able to work with your daughter at home.

You might want to see if there is a support group in your area. You are not alone in your worry and I will be pulling for you!

I wish you all the best,
L.

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If you haven't accessed support through www.lafeat.org, that is a great support group for a child with potential...